Bob.. I've done the ceramics thing from having Gregs bearings( phenomenal) to factory replacements... top end?.. maybe... just that little extra was there earlier in some of my engines... your idea of steel front is key there IMO because that poor little 607 takes the brunt of punishment from the prop and flexshaft in todays installs...( trend of the square drive coming back).. Ceramics.. do not like all synthetic fuel blends... in my testing.. a lean run will be a failure as theres nothing to little left to lubricate the system... they dont like rough water punishment in my travels either... and.... lastly.... when they fracture( lean, over rev situation...) its normally a half ball gets thrown through the engine and plants in the button and smashes all around rather nicely... pick your poison accordingly... but... additional castor is your friend... now... as for steel, i only replace with factory OEM in my novas and i keep 607s on hand replaceing them frequently... ive testing days i wont beat hell out of engines on bad water for that fact especially... Nitro... is the ultimate oxidizer... and IMO that means rust and wear very quickly after it contacts metals... again that means bearing wear possibly and future failure... catastrophic if youre not diligent... as posted i will notice an engine dinging plugs without my finger on the 3rd channel, and youll see the flakes on the face sometimes or itll break the element inoordinately.. im looking at the plug every test run anyway, right?.. and itll show up... that engine... is on the bench.. awaiting bearings... while i dont necessarily rush to get my engines attention after testing i definintely flush, reflush and oil as quickly as i can after the day to ensure and stop the oxidation process... everybodies different ...but i have one nova with 11 years on the original bearings, a few with 9, and a pair right now with 4 that are just fine... yeah im due a failure or 2 possibly... but it wont be for a rusty worn bearing surface if i can help it.... 9 times outta 10 upon applying pressure to the inner races upon maintainance i will.. feel the bearing tick... or grind... and its on the bench... now.. before the fuel questions arise... I've used Alan elzers fuel and mixing prowess for years and hands down this is it...with ratios of 65/16, to 65/15... and 70/14... bigger engines may be 60/16... so... just a factor... maybe... im sticking with it... Alan mixes what you ask, consistently from jug to jug, and thats just my deal there... idk... ive just seen quick, or premature wear, and bearing failure on red and blue synthethic oils for yrs and im done... i like morgan... anyway... windy post, read the lines as you can... i guess, and idk... but a more direct approach on maintainance really makes the difference at the bearing store for me.... 'luck brother... keep on keepin on.....mike